Ivory Coast in Africa Cup of Nations' final

An impregnable defence coupled with forwards who can strike at will are the cornerstones of Ivory Coast's march to Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations final, says Salomon Kalou.

An impregnable defence coupled with forwards who can strike at will are the cornerstones of Ivory Coast's march to Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations final, says Salomon Kalou.

Ivory Coast players celebrate a goal during the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Mali. Pic/AFP

The Elephants notched up their fifth successive win with Wednesday's 1-0 semi-final defeat of Mali to enhance their record to nine goals scored, none conceded.

With Zambia waiting in the climax to a competition that has had more than its fair share of shocks, Chelsea star Kalou said: "Our aim has been to not let in any goals. And with the strikers we've got, at any moment we can make the difference."

That was plain for all to see on Wednesday when Arsenal star Gervinho raced from the halfway line to score a superb solo goal. "Our goals can come from anywhere. From Yaya (Toure), Gervais (Gervinho), Didier (Drogba), myself. We can score at any moment and that's an advantage," added Kalou.